Messiah 2015 “impressive”

Messiah Sheffield Cathedral December 2015.

“choir’s deep intimacy … evident at all times” “choral sound.. most impressive” “joyous”

“Simon Lindley’s interpretation of Messiah tonight was extremely pacey and exhilarating. Many of the faster choruses were taken at speeds one might associate with much smaller choirs, perhaps in smaller spaces – with mixed results. Some were impressive and punchy (‘And The Glory of the Lord’; ‘He Trusted in God’), while others were scrappy in the virtuosic passages (‘And He Shall Purify’; ‘All We Like Sheep’), or seemed to settle on slower speeds midway through (‘For Unto Us a Child is Born’; ‘His Yoke is Easy‘). This wasn’t a problem in the second half (the interval was placed halfway through Part 2) where the music is more condusive to being so brisk. I did fear for ‘Let Us Break Their Bonds‘ but in fact Lindley chose a poised, steady tempo for that one and we heard every note with authority. The Hallelujah Chorus was joyous, as was the closing sequence.

I should say that the choir’s deep intimacy with this work was evident at all times, not just knowing the notes inside-out, but inflecting them with the appropriate drama and portent. Their choral sound was most impressive in the most brooding music, such as ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ and ‘And With His Stripes’. One payoff to rattling through the work at speed was the very strong narrative drive, and the packed audience of the cathedral were indeed completely transported at times tonight.

The choir were joined by a strong set of soloists, who were equally committed to the drama of the occasion. Bass Alex Ashworth was strong and imposing but relaxed, and his ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ was a memorable highlight. Tenor Tim Kennedy sounded a touch underpowered in my slightly far-flung spot in the cathedral, but was nonetheless engaging and colourful, with another highlight in “Thou Shalt Break Them”. Alto Margaret McDonald was austere and forboding, and then occasionally forgiving, which was most touching in ‘He was Despised’. To my ears Soprano Debra Morley was in a different league again – sweet and clear, with such unforced and compelling expression, alternately perky and soaring, and with an easy rapport with the National Festival Orchestra and Lindley. Both “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” and “If God Be For Us” were completely sensational.”

Tom Owen, Sheffield Telegraph